A clear, cloudless spring day with only a few high clouds against a steel-blue sky. Your gaze is involuntarily drawn. If you stop, look up, and suddenly spot two large birds circling seemingly effortlessly, your curiosity is piqued. At first, it seems like chance, but then it becomes clear: something special is happening here. Two White-tailed Eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla) meet high above the Brandenburg marshland, circling each other, rising, then descending again – a silent spectacle that tells a story beyond what one can immediately grasp.
In spring, White-tailed Eagles in Germany exhibit pronounced courtship behavior, closely linked to the beginning of the breeding season. Established pairs intensify their bonding as early as January, while unpaired individuals actively search for mates. The characteristic courtship flight consists of wide, synchronized circular movements, in which both birds use updrafts to gain altitude. These aerial displays serve not only for mate selection but also for strengthening existing pair bonds.
A particularly striking behavior is the so-called “grasping,” in which the partners touch each other with their talons or even briefly lock them together. In some cases, this is followed by a joint tumble towards the ground before the birds separate. This behavior is interpreted as an expression of trust and coordination. Additionally, vocalizations can be observed, which play a role, especially near the nest, and serve to demarcate territory.
Seasonally, the White-tailed Eagle in Germany begins preparing for breeding early. After courtship, existing nests are expanded or reused, often for several years. Egg-laying usually takes place between February and March. During the breeding season, flight activity is reduced in favor of brood care and foraging. In summer, the focus is on raising the young, while in autumn and winter, more solitary behavior or loose gatherings at food sources are observed.
Other elements of courtship include circling together at lower altitudes, parallel gliding flights, and the presentation of nesting material. These behaviors demonstrate the close coordination between the partners and are crucial for reproductive success.
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